Mississippi State ends historic home losing streak against Arizona State

Diego Sierra

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Mississippi State ends historic home losing streak against Arizona State image

After two years of being in limbo with the untimely passing of former Mississippi State HC Mike Leach in 2022. The hope for Bulldogs fans was slowly fading away after last year's 2-10 record. HC Jeff Lebby decided to change that attitude, receiving 34 players in the transfer portal this past offseason, hoping to make an impact.

Tonight, they made an impact after Mississippi State defeated Arizona State in Starkville, 24 to 20. This is the Bulldogs' first nonconference home win over a ranked team since 1991.

The Bulldogs set the tone early, one minute into the game. As Bulldogs QB Blake Shapen threw a 48-yard touchdown to WR Anthony Evans III.

A quarter later, QB Shapen threw another touchdown, this time to  WR Brenen Thompson.

In the second half, the Sun Devils would have a scoring streak of their own, scoring 20 unanswered points. Sucking the life out of the Bulldogs' hot start. 

On Arizona State's last scoring drive, they took 8 minutes and 54 seconds off the clock, but only came away with a field goal. Due to Mississippi State's defense locking down the goal line as the Sun Devils tried to punch the final blow three times within their own 3-yard line.

With 40 seconds left on the clock, Shapen was able to find a wide-open Thompson for the game-winning touchdown. 

The Sun Devils got the ball back with 30 seconds left, trying to create some magic before time expired, but QB Sam Leavitt threw an interception as Bulldogs Safety Hunter Thompson called game.

Mississippi State still has a long season ahead of it, but this is definitely a big step in the right direction for the program. They face Alcorn State next Saturday to close out their non-conference schedule.

For Arizona State they face Texas State next Saturday to close out their non-conference schedule.

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Diego Sierra

Diego Sierra is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He graduated from Texas Tech in 2024. Diego formerly managed social media for Barstool Texas Tech and interned for Ramar Communications.